nice program, yes it has 30 days trail , but only good if you gone use it for an 3 dollars retouch and worst part of it you aint gone learn never nothing from it , i think they are even action that do an better job , and you can go back to ur historie and see all the steps and what was apply to the image but if you like the fast way buy it

Nice program ... Coming from a photographer ... I wouldn't think a retoucher would use it. I used to use it more before I was better in photoshop. It's interface is easy to reshape the face etc. as well as skin.

I use it. I like it. I think it is an amazing little program, mostly for the price. When I am showing my clients their pics, I usually run one photo through portrait pro, and I don't tell them that I did something different to it, but I would say 90% of the time they love it and end up buying a print of it. I then either tell them that it is fully retouched and any other pic they buy will get retouched as well. Depending on the client, sometimes I will show them the before and after, which is followed by their jaw dropping and making some comment to the effect of, do that to all my pictures and can you do that in real life.
I do use it in conjunction with photoshop.

MMRetoucher wrote: Here's the thing. I have tried and tried to learn how to use Photoshop and I can't figure it out at all. I can't use the one that goes with Photoshop because I don't have Photoshop.

Misty ... Sounds like you are a very new retoucher if you can't use photoshop. If you are serious about pursuing retouching you need to learn some retouching program. You need layers ... You need layer masks etc. to get great results. Watch YouTube videos for tutorials and practice.

If you can't make the investment in full PS ... Elements is a good start and more user friendly.

As for skin ... You can get some great actions for free online from blogs etc. Just search and install them. You will use layer opacity and masks to control the outcome.

If you're serious about learning retouching first thing to do is to learn photoshop. You will just loose time and get wrong experience from automation programs. Later when you will know how and when you can use those automation programs in some cases you can include them in your workflow (if you will still think they're great).

I actually use a program called Photofiltre. It's free and easier to understand then Photoshop. For me I am slow learner, and trying to learn Photoshop will take me a lot longer to learn then most people. I feel Photofiltre works pretty much the same way.

Most likely I will end up learning how to use Photoshop. I really want to, I am just afraid it will be hard to figure out. Until then I use the program I know and understand.

Ok, let me give you a working photographer's perspective on your question; if I am hiring a retoucher it is for one of two reasons.

1. I am in need of retouching that is beyond my ability.

2. I am in need of overflow help because my workload is affecting my turnaround times for my clients.

In either case, you would be the last person I would contact on here. I am not trying to be rude, but I think you need a dose of reality from the very type of person you are trying to attract to your "business".

My abilities in photoshop are probably a little above average among photographers, but there are times when I really do need a PROFESSIONAL retoucher to do things I simply cannot.

I know how to retouch skin in the traditional manner in photoshop, but I have been using Portrait Professional on some of my images because I can get adequate results quickly. Even this program requires some learning, though. If you don't know how to tweak the image in Portrait Professional you will get images that look shitty.

If I hired you and you simply ran the photos through this, or any other automated style plug-in filter I would be pissed, not pay you and make sure to tell every photographer I know to steer clear of you.

Retouching is an artform that takes study, learning, technical expertise and countless hours of practice. It's a hell of a lot more than a damned filter.

You're basically making a mockery of the industry, and I can't believe you aren't catching more hell from the many professional retouchers that frequent this forum.

I would wish you good luck, but since you're an admitted "slow learner", I suspect luck won't be enough.

Golden Era Photography wrote: Ok, let me give you a working photographer's perspective on your question; if I am hiring a retoucher it is for one of two reasons.

1. I am in need of retouching that is beyond my ability.

2. I am in need of overflow help because my workload is affecting my turnaround times for my clients.

In either case, you would be the last person I would contact on here. I am not trying to be rude, but I think you need a dose of reality from the very type of person you are trying to attract to your "business".

My abilities in photoshop are probably a little above average among photographers, but there are times when I really do need a PROFESSIONAL retoucher to do things I simply cannot.

I know how to retouch skin in the traditional manner in photoshop, but I have been using Portrait Professional on some of my images because I can get adequate results quickly. Even this program requires some learning, though. If you don't know how to tweak the image in Portrait Professional you will get images that look shitty.

If I hired you and you simply ran the photos through this, or any other automated style plug-in filter I would be pissed, not pay you and make sure to tell every photographer I know to steer clear of you.

Retouching is an artform that takes study, learning, technical expertise and countless hours of practice. It's a hell of a lot more than a damned filter.

You're basically making a mockery of the industry, and I can't believe you aren't catching more hell from the many professional retouchers that frequent this forum.

I would wish you good luck, but since you're an admitted "slow learner", I suspect luck won't be enough.

Ok it was not necessary to attack me!!

1 I was only asking about the program.
2 I would not only use that program, that would be silly.
3 How am I making a mockery of anything with just a damned question, it's not like I said I am going to use that program and only that.
4 I am glad no one has given me a lot of hell, seeing as how I was inquiring information, nothing else.
5 Just because I have trouble learning doesn't mean a damn thing. You don't need to be rude about it. A lot of people have trouble learning.

Next time you have something to say please say it a bit nicer. I am human just like you.

1 I was only asking about the program.
2 I would not only use that program, that would be silly.
3 How am I making a mockery of anything with just a damned question, it's not like I said I am going to use that program and only that.
4 I am glad no one has given me a lot of hell, seeing as how I was inquiring information, nothing else.
5 Just because I have trouble learning doesn't mean a damn thing. You don't need to be rude about it. A lot of people have trouble learning.

Next time you have something to say please say it a bit nicer. I am human just like you.

Don't confuse rudeness with honesty. You can sugar-coat the issue all day long but that's not going to advance your skills and your ability to work in this industry one bit. Sometimes you have a choice...would you rather receive a nicey nice answer to your issue that is a lie or would you rather receive an honest answer that's to the point. Personally, I'd rather receive honesty and that's what you got. I also think his answer was not rude by any stretch of the imagination...it was to the point and honest. If you can't deal with that, it's your issue.

Furthermore, I happen to agree with him. No way in hell would I ever even consider working with a retoucher who was unfamiliar with Photoshop and had an unwillingness to learn the primary tool of the trade.

A Retoucher who doesn't use or want to learn Photoshop is like a cowboy who doesn't like horses and can't ride one or worse yet, a person who calls themself a "photographer" who only takes pictures with an iPhone because a DSLR is too complicated to learn.

Shot By Adam wrote: Don't confuse rudeness with honesty. You can sugar-coat the issue all day long but that's not going to advance your skills and your ability to work in this industry one bit. Sometimes you have a choice...would you rather receive a nicey nice answer to your issue that is a lie or would you rather receive an honest answer that's to the point. Personally, I'd rather receive honesty and that's what you got. I also think his answer was not rude by any stretch of the imagination...it was to the point and honest. If you can't deal with that, it's your issue.

Furthermore, I happen to agree with him. No way in hell would I ever even consider working with a retoucher who was unfamiliar with Photoshop and had an unwillingness to learn the primary tool of the trade.

A Retoucher who doesn't use or want to learn Photoshop is like a cowboy who doesn't like horses and can't ride one or worse yet, a person who calls themself a "photographer" who only takes pictures with an iPhone because a DSLR is too complicated to learn.

I think it was rude, but that's my opinion. Whatever.
May I ask why a retoucher has to use Photoshop???
I don't understand it, I can use other programs and get the same results.
I never ever said I was unwilling to learn Photoshop. NOT ONCE.
Photoshop is not the only program out there.
I am sorry if I can't afford Photoshop and all the thousands of extra's it has.
I am sorry if I can't understand Photoshop.

Again I never said I didn't want to learn. I just don't have the tools for that at the moment.

MMRetoucher wrote: I think it was rude, but that's my opinion. Whatever.
May I ask why a retoucher has to use Photoshop???
I don't understand it, I can use other programs and get the same results.
I never ever said I was unwilling to learn Photoshop. NOT ONCE.
Photoshop is not the only program out there.
I am sorry if I can't afford Photoshop and all the thousands of extra's it has.
I am sorry if I can't understand Photoshop.

Again I never said I didn't want to learn. I just don't have the tools for that at the moment.

"May I ask why a retoucher has to use Photoshop???"

The fact that you asked that sums it all up. You're clueless about retouching, but call yourself a retoucher.

"Photoshop is not the only program out there."

For professional retouching, it is absolutely the industry standard.

"I don't understand it, I can use other programs and get the same results."

Do you honestly believe that?

"I am sorry if I can't afford Photoshop and all the thousands of extra's it has.
I am sorry if I can't understand Photoshop."

I wonder what my clients would say if I said I couldn't afford the professional tools to do my job and showed up with a $100 point and shoot from WalMart, and edited the photos with the free Picasa software.

I have tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, computers, software, insurance, business license, website management and related office and studio costs, in addition to the monthly space rental.

I have years of learning and education costs, time, effort and dedication to growing in my craft.

Photoshop CS6 runs about $700. I have lenses that cost more than that. I probably have that much invested in batteries for my cameras. I spent more than that for one term of college art/photography classes.

Like someone else pointed out, Adobe is giving away CS2 for free right now. Its freaking free! Get it and learn it. Stop calling yourself something you're not. Go and actually spend some time learning your craft before you come on here claiming to be a retoucher.

Sorry, but I think you're the rude one here. I think it's rude and insulting to imply that you are a peer to some of the amazingly talented individuals who can legitimately call themselves retouchers when you don't even own, or know how to use the most basic tool of the trade.

I think it was rude, but that's my opinion. Whatever.
May I ask why a retoucher has to use Photoshop???
I don't understand it, I can use other programs and get the same results.
I never ever said I was unwilling to learn Photoshop. NOT ONCE.
Photoshop is not the only program out there.
I am sorry if I can't afford Photoshop and all the thousands of extra's it has.
I am sorry if I can't understand Photoshop.

Again I never said I didn't want to learn. I just don't have the tools for that at the moment.

Photoshop is the industry standard that's why it is mentioned so often. There are alternatives that can deliver results and learning curves that vary from easy to difficult.

Adobe's own Photoshop Elements is a lighter version that can be a great per-requisite to moving on to Photoshop. Corel's Paint Shop Pro is also an alternative; both of these programs are less than $100 too.

Choosing to be rude is one choice. Choosing to be honest is another, entirely independent choice. If you choose to be rude, ask yourself: are you also being honest? Or are you merely using it as an excuse to put someone else down?

Choosing to be rude and (theoretically) honest is generally the best way to get the person receiving the (theoretical) "advice" to ignore it.

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Golden Era Photography wrote: "May I ask why a retoucher has to use Photoshop???"

The fact that you asked that sums it all up. You're clueless about retouching, but call yourself a retoucher.

Then please answer his question, instead of calling him names. Why do you believe a retoucher has to use Photoshop? Why do you believe that question makes him "clueless about retouching"?

Golden Era Photography wrote: "Photoshop is not the only program out there."

For professional retouching, it is absolutely the industry standard.

You're disagreeing with something he did not write. Right or wrong, it's silly.

Golden Era Photography wrote: "I don't understand it, I can use other programs and get the same results."

Do you honestly believe that?

I would expect he does. I believe it myself. I also recognize that it will take a lot more work, and probably half a dozen or more other programs to get there, but that's different than believing that only Photoshop can do things.

People have been doing effective retouching in Photoshop since version 2, and almost every $30 or more imaging package available today, and a lot of free ones have more capabilities than it did. (v1, in my opinion, was a great file converter, but since that's why I bought it, it wasn't a problem.)

Golden Era Photography wrote: Sorry, but I think you're the rude one here. I think it's rude and insulting to imply that you are a peer to some of the amazingly talented individuals who can legitimately call themselves retouchers when you don't even own, or know how to use the most basic tool of the trade.

Not mutually exclusive. Whether or not he is being rude doesn't somehow make your behavior less rude.

You can play "Knight in Shining Armor" and defend the idiocy of people like this if you wish, but that doesn't change the fact that there is something seriously wrong with someone who calls themselves a "retoucher", yet lacks the basic tools and expertise to perform the work.

When you hire someone to fix your car, don't you have an expectation that they have the tools and know how to get your car going safely down the road?

How about a plumber?

Hi, I'm a doctor! I have no training, no medical equipment, and no knowledge of medicine, but if you have cancer I will treat you.

This is all BS, and I swear I feel like I am Punk'd right now. Come on...where's Ashton Kutcher???

You can play "Knight in Shining Armor" and defend the idiocy of people like this if you wish, but that doesn't change the fact that there is something seriously wrong with someone who calls themselves a "retoucher", yet lacks the basic tools and expertise to perform the work.

If it weren't a fact, it wouldn't be changed. It's not.

Golden Era Photography wrote: When you hire someone to fix your car, don't you have an expectation that they have the tools and know how to get your car going safely down the road?

I have an expectation that they can "get your car going safely down the road?". How they get there is largely their lookout.

When I hire a photographer, I do so on the basis of whether I believe he/she can do the job: not whether they have specific tools. And I don't care if "Uncle Harry" has a 1DX while the guy I hired might be shooting a Rebel, so long as they can do the job.

You may believe that only Photoshop is capable of providing professional retouching capabilities. That belief is different than a fact, no matter how loudly you proclaim it.

Now: would I recommend that someone planning to be a professional retoucher, digital artist, etc, not learn and use Photoshop as at least one of their tools? Not at all; it's the best single overall imaging tool I'm aware of. That doesn't make other tools viable alternatives--just more time-consuming and frustrating. If someone wants to do things the hard way, and is willing to take the productivity hit (meaning a much lower income from the time they spend), it's their choice. (A bad one, in my opinion, but it is a choice.)

Frances Jewel wrote: retouchers are not the only ones on this site being insulted, she thinks she is a model as well.

I suggest you review the site and forum rules before posting again.

Simple things like "bullying, personal attacks and other boorish behavior are not tolerated", "Respond to the ideas being expressed, not the person expressing them", and "Do not post anything on the Site that degrades or insults other users or their work" would be good starting points.

You can play "Knight in Shining Armor" and defend the idiocy of people like this if you wish, but that doesn't change the fact that there is something seriously wrong with someone who calls themselves a "retoucher", yet lacks the basic tools and expertise to perform the work.

If it weren't a fact, it wouldn't be changed. It's not.

I have an expectation that they can "get your car going safely down the road?". How they get there is largely their lookout.

When I hire a photographer, I do so on the basis of whether I believe he/she can do the job: not whether they have specific tools. And I don't care if "Uncle Harry" has a 1DX while the guy I hired might be shooting a Rebel, so long as they can do the job.

You may believe that only Photoshop is capable of providing professional retouching capabilities. That belief is different than a fact, no matter how loudly you proclaim it.

Now: would I recommend that someone planning to be a professional retoucher, digital artist, etc, not learn and use Photoshop as at least one of their tools? Not at all; it's the best single overall imaging tool I'm aware of. That doesn't make other tools viable alternatives--just more time-consuming and frustrating. If someone wants to do things the hard way, and is willing to take the productivity hit (meaning a much lower income from the time they spend), it's their choice. (A bad one, in my opinion, but it is a choice.)

You may not care if I show up with a Rebel, but you better believe that some of my clients would. You're too good of a photographer to not understand this.

You and I have both seen beautiful photos done with budget equipment,and we both know that the equipment isn't a limiting factor for a good artist. However, perception is reality in the minds of many clients. You know why I have a portrait grip on my cameras? Because my clients see my "big camera" and think it's better than "Uncle Bill's". Sad, but true. I can't tell you how many times my wedding clients tell me that my camera takes great pictures...as if I had nothing to do with it.

So, that being said, I still insist that I wasn't being rude, but delivering an honest answer. I didn't critique the work in this person's portfolio, as they didn't ask for a critique. I let this person know that using plug-ins like Portrait Professional is not going to appeal to the very people who are looking for a retoucher...people like me.

I represent the target market for retouchers. I am a busy, working photographer who may need the services of a retoucher from time to time, or even very often. I think I did her a favor by letting her know that she is missing the mark, and I let her know what she needs to do to fix it.

Yeah, she can use other programs, just like I can shoot a Rebel and get good results. But, as a potential client, I want to know that the professional I am hiring has the equipment and expertise to meet my needs, and I guarantee I speak for the vast majority of my peers. You know it, and I know it.

She can do what she wants with the information I gave her.

Sitting in front of a monitor playing with photos doesn't make you a retoucher any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car.